QMobile Noir A950 Features Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The QMobile Noir A950 features a sleek and modern design with dimensions measuring 130 x 67 x 8.6 mm. Its thin profile, with a thickness of just 8.6 mm, makes it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket or bag. Although the weight is unspecified, the phone’s design suggests a lightweight build, enhancing handiness for users who are on the go.

Display

The device sports a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED+ screen. This display technology is renowned for providing vibrant colors and deep contrasts, adding to the visual appeal of content, whether it's images, videos, or websites. The resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels ensures that the content is rendered crisply with a decent pixel density of approximately 316 ppi, making it a pleasure to consume visual media.

Camera Features

The QMobile Noir A950 comes equipped with an 8 MP main camera. This camera includes an LED flash, which is fundamental for capturing images in low-light conditions. Although video recording is limited to 720p, it is satisfactory for users who are not overly concerned about ultra-high-definition video quality. The device is also equipped with a 1 MP front-facing camera, allowing users to engage in video calls or take the occasional selfie.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the phone runs on a Mediatek MT6589W chipset with a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. This setup was considered quite solid during its release in 2013, capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming effectively. The GPU, PowerVR SGX544, supports the graphical needs of the device, ensuring smoother renderings of graphics and videos.

Operating on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, users have access to a range of Google Play Store applications, though the version of Android is somewhat outdated by today's standards. However, during its heyday, Jelly Bean provided a smooth and intuitive user experience.

Memory and Storage

The Noir A950 comes with 4GB of internal storage, which is relatively limited by modern standards. However, it does feature a microSDHC slot, providing users the option to expand their storage capabilities and store more data, apps, and media. With 1GB of RAM, the phone can manage simple multitasking, although running multiple heavy applications simultaneously could present performance challenges.

Battery Life

Powered by a Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, the QMobile Noir A950 offers a reliable battery life that was competitive at its time of release. This capacity allows users to enjoy a full day of moderate usage without needing a charge, although heavy users might need to plug in before the day ends.

Network and Connectivity

Supporting GSM and HSPA technologies, the phone allows users to enjoy satisfactory mobile network speeds, with HSPA speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps. The phone accommodates dual SIM cards, making it suitable for users who need to manage multiple numbers for personal and professional use. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet connectivity, Wi-Fi Direct, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 is available for wireless connections to audio devices and other peripherals. Additionally, the device features GPS for location-based services and navigation.

Audio and Communication Ports

The device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker for audio output. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer using wired headphones over wireless ones, especially when wireless technologies were less prevalent. It also includes a stereo FM radio for users who enjoy listening to local broadcasts.

Sensors and Additional Features

The QMobile Noir A950 is equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the device's functionality, supporting features like automatic screen rotation, adaptive display settings, and compass-based navigation.

Pricing and Availability

Initially launched in July 2013, the QMobile Noir A950 was priced at about 120 EUR, making it an affordable option for many users looking for basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. However, production of this model has since been discontinued, and its availability is limited to second-hand purchases or leftover stock from various vendors.

Conclusion

The QMobile Noir A950 offers a balanced combination of design, functionality, and affordability. Its features cater well to basic smartphone users who are not reliant on high-end specifications. Despite being away from current technology standards, the Noir A950 remains a worthy mention for its remarkable capabilities during its time on the market and for providing a stepping stone to the advanced technology that followed.